By 1News Reporters and is republished with permission
Three people have died and two others have been seriously injured following a two-vehicle crash near Geraldine this afternoon.
Police said emergency services were called to the scene at the intersection of State Highway 79 and Kennedy Rd at around 3.15pm. The serious crash unit has been notified.
SH79 is closed between Tiplady Rd and Kennedy St.
The vehicles — a four-wheel-drive and a people-mover — were travelling in opposite directions when the crash occurred, Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said this evening.
“The vehicles have collided and the investigation will focus on exactly how that occurred.”
The three people who were killed had been travelling in the people-mover while another person in the vehicle was critically injured, Walker said. The driver from the four-wheel-drive, the sole occupant of that vehicle, was seriously injured.
Two people have been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.
“Losing so many lives at once is shocking and our hearts go out to those involved,” Walker said.
The trio who were killed were part of a group visiting the district, and members of the group were following behind the vehicle when the crash occurred.
“We’re wrapping support around them and will be speaking with them to help establish what occurred.
“Incidents like this are hard on everyone involved, and our communities too.
“While the investigation is progressing, we’re making sure there is support in place for those involved, their families, and our staff who have attended the scene.
Police say they were called to the scene on State Highway 79 around 3.15pm.
Police say they were called to the scene on State Highway 79 around 3.15pm. (Source: 1News)
Fire and Emergency said it has four trucks at the scene, while Garden City Helicopters have confirmed they have two Westpac Rescue helicopters attending.
St John said it deployed three ambulances to the crash site, along with two other response vehicles.
Diversions are in place and motorists have been advised to expect delays.
